mercredi, septembre 14, 2005

September Update!

September Update

I realized just now that during the months of May, June and July- while we were in Abby- I didn’t transfer my update letters to hard-copy so that I could record them on my hard-drive. Did any of you readers by chance keep those update letters in your e-mail files and could send them back to me so that I can have it saved? I write these letters as much for myself as I do for you all- sort of a monthly diary that I let you sneak peaks at. It’s … therapeutic for me during this season of my life. (I’m sure some of you bloggers would agree!) I would be greatly appreciative of your efforts to send those on my behalf!

And so Autumn is upon is. From scorching, dry heat one day, to a week of rainy cleansing, leading right into that undeniable cool, crisp sensation in the air- even on sunny days. The yearly cycle continues to hold us all bound in its ways.
Jeremy and I agree that Fall is our favorite season of the year. Not only does it hold our anniversary date somewhere back four years, but it holds many other good memories with the feelings of cool air on the skin, the need for a campfire (summer campfires are more aesthetic than necessary, wouldn’t you say?), bursts of colors and crackles under-foot, smells of chimneys stoked up for another round, harvested flavors of incredible variety…. And probably one of my favorite anticipations of the arriving cooler weather is the presentation of the down duvet. We look forward to actually covering ourselves at night, and cuddling again rather than groaning when there’s nothing left to take off, and squirming at the clammy touch of the other- especially when Zach climbs in to bed with us!

With that intro, let me tell you that we are doing… fine. Well. Good. I mean that.
We’ve had our moments in the past month- moments where it seemed we’d lose our minds, or heads even perhaps. We’ve had, as our pre-marital counselors so long ago brought to our attention, “ebbs”. My initial response to these “ebbs” in life is: I hate them; let’s get them out’a here! In the “Plett-ionary”, the definition of “ebb” is: the times in life/marriage/relationships when everythings a little jerky… (I didn’t say anyone is a jerk, although each individual may tend to think along those lines of the other….) Then there’s the “flows” where everything moves along just dandy- no hitches, no bumps, no hate… just love! If only life were one big “flow”- no broken car, no “too big” bills, no struggles at bed-time (with cranky kids or cranky mommy and daddy), no misunderstandments (I know that’s not a word, so I’ll invent it) or broken expectations. These have become common words around our home in the last few years: “Are we in an ebb again?” “Let’s hang on to this flow!”

If you’ve seen those Staples commercials recently, there is an individual who is suddenly surrounded by some challenge they are not willing to take (ie getting ready to go back to school). They are in a crazed panic trying to find a way around the situation. AHA! There appears on sight a large, red button boldly labled “EASY”. The individual rushes madly forth and whops the button with all they’ve got. Why wouldn’t they? If there was such an option in my life, why wouldn’t I?

Zach has been a big learner these last few months. Some of you may hardly believe the development. He’s getting quite ‘conditioned’ with his P’s and Q’s. He’s chatting up a storm with all his hilarious antics. He’s definitely at the repeat-whatever-I-hear stage. He heard daddy the other day tell me that my home-made pickles are “wicked”. Zach approached me shortly after tasting a sour delight himself, and announced “Wicked pickles Honey!” (see our blog for other Zach comments)
Mr Smartie-pants can really push our buttons sometimes as well- and not the “easy” one, might I add. With a powerful and active brain comes a powerful and active will. At this time we face the challenge of discipline methods that work/don’t work, the challenge of potty-training, the challenge of teaching him to share with others and not scream/bite. All ‘round though, this kid of ours is a delightful, energetic bundle of fun. Zach is great at keeping Benny happy too, that is, when he’s not trying to unlock Ben’s face with a key up his nose, or roll him over and ride Ben like a pony!

Benny absolutely adores Zach. His gaze will follow Zach around the room. His giggles are near uncontrollable at the nod of Zach’s head. Benjamin’s cry will cease the moment his big brother’s sweet little voice coos “sweetheart, no cry”. His gurgles and baby talk are great reminders of life’s joys; and his level-headedness in the midst of his trials (ie those mentioned in the previous paragraph) are a shining example to us!
Benjamin, at 5 months old, was recently weighed in at 19lbs. I pulled out Zach’s old box of clothes which he fit into at 6-12 months, and half the outfits were at button-popping stage on our Benny. He’s a wonderful delight –big brown eyes- to anyone who has the opportunity to pop their head into his stroller, or attend to him in the church nursery.
I’ve recently had a moment or two to work on Ben’s scrap-book, and have marveled again at the wonder of children; off-spring- our off-spring! What a blessing; what an honor; what a challenge that still lays ahead of us!

Jeremy is growing into his job at the construction site. He has received his first and second raise already. He has also earned the respect of many of the crew-members- in particular because he works hard, does not laugh at the crude jokes, and he does not lie. *note: he is also envied by many due to the wonderful home-made lunches which his “little old-fashioned wife” packs for him. He has found times at home for himself to rejuvenate with a good theology book, or a sermon on-line, and the idea of continuing his Bible school education on-line still simmers on the back-burner of our minds. Ironically, Jeremy has also found refreshment in framing with my dad on Mom and Dad’s house in Enderby, on weekends and holidays. (The Paraguayan layed-backness of my dad’s one-man crew is quite appealing after a stressful, time-driven week at Jer’s commercial job.)

I have begun the gradual transition into a new routine. With all the new situations, settings and scenarios of our new home here in Kelowna, it has taken a while for me to settle our boys into a stable schedule in which we all work well together, function at our best performance, and have fun in the daily ins-and-outs of life (ie house-work, play-time, errands/outings, nap-time). Without a vehicle we’ve learned our way around on foot and in buggy- shopping, library, near-by playgrounds, etc. I’ve met a number of Moms with young kids who are working outside the home; the driven-ness of our society is a strong lure. I see the little “extras” they can afford; I see the strain on their families. I’m still pondering the possibilities of a p/t job for myself, but weighing it strongly with the effects that would have on our home- even a “stay-at-home” job.
I’ve looked into an “extra-curricular” activity for myself to get a break from home-life (yes, it’s a selfish desire). So far both women’s soccer and women’s volleyball fall on evenings where other commitments have already been made. Priorities.

Due to our car being in disrepair, we ended up walking to the nearest church on our block a couple of weeks ago: a small, homely looking First Baptist church. It’s absolutely wonderful!! We have been welcomed so warmly by young and old. There is a real family sense there, which is not exclusive to long-standing members. On our first Sunday of attendance we were invited to join the young families Bible Study. We’ll begin this Thursday evening. Yeah! It looks like we might finally make some friends!! (Not to say that we haven’t already found good friends in Jeremy’s family living so near by!)

But with new relationships beginning there is also a sense of intimidation/ fear/ reservedness…. It’s difficult to start over again. Even the church, with it’s wonderful introduction, surely has wounds and issues as well. Everything can’t go perfect. In every aspect of life there are ebbs and flows that we have little to no control over; challenges that can break us or shape us. Would I opt for the easy button?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith developes perseverance. Perseverence must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

We would love to hear from each of you so as to know how we can think of and pray for you. We also continue to covet your prayers on our behalf.

Take care, all of you.

Tanya, for the Harnett troop!
Posted by Jeremy J Harnett :: 8:10 p.m. :: 11 comments

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